Family dynamics tend to change when parents share custody of their children. In some cases, children may bond with a parent who previously spent minimal time with them. Other times, they may grow to resent one of their parents if they blame that parent for the changes to the family unit.
Children, particularly teenagers, may grow resentful of shared custody or visitation schedules. They may insist that they do not want to spend time with one of their parents. Do children have the right to determine who they spend time with in a shared custody scenario?
Children are subject to parental authority
Until children legally become adults or pursue emancipation in family court, they are subject to the decisions made by their parents, which typically should be in their best interests. The parents, at the same time, are subject to the rules imposed in a custody order.
If they fail to follow the parenting schedule, they could be at risk of enforcement actions. The parent who has the children when they refuse visitation or a custody exchange has an obligation to uphold the order.
Parents may need to consider getting the children into counseling to help them work on the family dynamics. While children can potentially influence the terms of a custody order by expressing their preferences in court, they are ultimately not the parties in control of the situation.
Parents have an obligation to follow the terms of a shared custody order, even if their children are unhappy with the arrangements. Understanding the rules that apply when sharing custody can help parents avoid mistakes that could lead to custody order enforcement or modifications that diminish their time with their children.